1996 Toyota Camry Owners Manual - Page 159

If your vehicle overheats 1MZ-FE engine) If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated. You should follow this procedure...1. Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your emergency flashers. Put the transmission in "P" (automatic) or neutral (manual) and apply the parking brake. Turn off the air conditioning if it is being used. 2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine. Wait until the steam subsides before opening the hood. If there is no coolant boiling over or steam, leave the engine running. If you have a flat tire- ! CAUTION When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan and engine drive belts. 1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place well away from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground. 2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers. 3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in "P" (automatic) or reverse (manual). 4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away from traffic. 5. Read the following instructions thoroughly. 4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the engine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer for assistance. 5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add coolant to the reservoir while the engine is running. Fill it about half full. ! CAUTION Do not attempt to remove the engine coolant filler cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure. 6. After the engine coolant temperature has cooled to normal, again check the coolant level in the reservoir. If necessary, bring it up to half full again. Serious coolant loss indicates a leak in the system. You should have it checked as soon as possible at your Toyota dealer. ! CAUTION When jacking, be sure to observe the following to reduce the possibility of personal injury: S Follow jacking instructions. S Use a jack only for lifting your vehicle during wheel changing. S Never get beneath the vehicle when supported by a jack. S Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by a jack. ! CAUTION To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is a sign of very high pressure. 3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from the radiator, hoses, and under the vehicle. However, note that water draining from the air conditioning is normal if it has been used. 153